Oxidase apparatus.



H. H. BUNZEL.

OXIDASE APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED MAY 27, 1912.

1 ,Q46,259, Patented Dec. 3, 1912.

W/fnesses K ofww ffa/"flgy HERBERT H. BUNZEL, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OFCOLUMBIA.

OXIDASE APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 3, 1912.

Application filed May 27, 1912. Serial No. 700,132.

(DEDICATED TO THE PUBLIC.)

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HERBERT H. BUNZEL, an employee of the Department ofAgriculture of the United States of America, residing in the city ofVvashington, District of Columbia, and Whose post-oitlce address isVashington, District of Columbia, have invented a new and usefulImprovement in Oxidase Apparatus.

This application is made under the act of March 3, 1883, chapter 143 (22Stat. 625), and the invention herein described and claimed may be usedby the Government of the United States or any of its oflicers oremployees in the prosecution of work for the Government, or any personin the United States, without payment to me of any royalty thereon.

My invention relates to apparatus for use in measuring the oxidasecontent in plants and animal juices.

The object of my invention is to provide an apparatus by means of whichit is pos sible to measure the gas absorption occurring during chemicalreactions. It has the particular advantage of keeping the reactingsubstances separate, until the reaction is initiated by mixing themwithin the closed apparatus, and which is particularly adapted for usein analytical work for measuring the quantity of respiratory enzyms inplant juices and plant extracts. It is well known that oxidases play animportant role in various agricultural crop diseases. They also play animportant part in color changes of plants and in various phenomenaobserved in connection with agricultural products such as the darkeningof tea. the hardening and darkening ofthe juice of the Japanese lacquertree, in the pasteurizing of milk, etc.

My apparatus is designed for aiding analyst-s in measuring accuratelythe quantity of oxidase content in vegetable and animal juices. By itsuse scientists are enabled to determine accurately and rapidly in m'zfrowhether or not any particular substance is being oxidized by atmosphericoxygen in the presence of blood or any par ticular animal tissue.whether the pulp of the tissue, its pressed juice or extract is used.

The nature, characteristic features, and scope of my invention will bemore readily understood from the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing:

Figure 1 is a side perspective view of my oxidase apparatus, and Fig. 2is a longitudinal section through basket. I

As shown in the drawing the bottom of the apparatus, which isconstructed of glass, is divided into three compartments, A, B, and C,by indentations, D D. Liquid may be poured into compartment, A, throughburette, E, by turning the stopcock, F, on so as to permit anuninterrupted flow. After the required quantity of liquid has enteredcompartment, A, the stopcock, F, is closed. The compartments, B and C,may be filled out of the bulb, G, which has a volume of about 8 cubiccentimeters, through stopcock, H, and tube, I, or said compartments maybe filled by removing the tube, I, with the bulb, G, and stopcock, H, bymeans of the ground joint, J, which connects said tube, I, bulb, G, andstopcock, H, with the flask, K. Tube, I, supports a small glass basket,L, within the main compartment of the flask, K. This basket is providedwith a rim around its top to prevent any liquid from splashing out whenthe apparatus is shaken. It is also sufliciently elevated from thebottom of the flask to prevent any liquid from splashing in.

M represents a manometer graduated to millimeters, from which readingsare taken. The manometer, M, is connected with the flask, K, bv means ofthe glass tube extension, N. Said manometer may be disconnected at anytime by closing the stopcock, O.

The apparatus is well flattened on the bottom, except where interceptedby indenations, D D, and the same stands firmly. The compartments, A andB, are formed in an extension to the flask, K, and compartment, 0,constitutes the bottom of said flask, K.

My apparatus is primarily designed for use in analytical work where itis necessary to subject juices or other substances to agitation untilthe maximum oxygen absorption is reached. The indentations, D D, areintended to separate the juices which are to be tested from theanalytical solutions or material required to be mingled with the juicesduring the test until the shaking process is begun.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

In an oXidase apparatus, comprising a flask having an integralextension, said extension having double indentations separating thelower portion of said device into three compartments, A, B, and C, aburette arranged at one end of said extension for admitting liquid tocompartment, A, a stopcock for interrupting the flow of liquid throughsaid burette, a bulb, G, and tube, I, for supplying liquid tocompartments B and C, a stopcock, H, for interrupting the flow of liquidthrough said tube, said tube, I,

use in analytical work, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof, I afiix my signature I of two subscribingwitnesses.

HERBERT II. BUNZEL. v

in the presence I Witnesses:

CARL L. ALSBERG, O. F. BLACK.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G.

